Baxter Healthcare Corporation Launches First Sevoflurane In China And Announces Phased Launch In Other Countries In 2006
DEERFIELD, Ill., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced today the launch of sevoflurane, the world's most widely-used inhaled anesthetic, in China. The company also unveiled its plans for a phased launch of sevoflurane in additional geographies throughout 2006, including the United States, Japan and, upon regulatory approval, certain European markets.
Baxter's sevoflurane is chemically and therapeutically equivalent to Ultane(R) (Abbott Laboratories). The addition of sevoflurane distinguishes Baxter as the only company that offers all three modern inhaled anesthetics globally - sevoflurane, Suprane(R) (desflurane, USP) and Forane(R) (isoflurane, USP). In addition, Baxter offers the intravenous anesthetic, propofol, in the United States.
"With the addition of sevoflurane, Baxter now provides the broadest portfolio of inhaled anesthetics to its customers worldwide," said Daniel Tasse, general manager of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Oncology, part of Baxter's Medication Delivery business. "We will leverage our strong customer relationships and channels, along with investments we've made in sales and marketing, to successfully launch sevoflurane."
Inhaled anesthetic agents such as sevoflurane are administered to patients through vaporizer machines. Baxter's sevoflurane is compatible with the same vaporizers as the branded product. In addition, to assure a seamless transition to the generic product, Baxter will offer customers access to vaporizers as part of a vaporizer placement program.
About Sevoflurane
Sevoflurane is indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adult and pediatric patients for inpatient and outpatient surgery. Inhalational anesthetic agents, including sevoflurane can cause malignant hyperthermia and should not be used in patients with known sensitivity to sevoflurane nor in patients with known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. Sevoflurane exposures should not exceed 2 MAC hours at flow rates of <2 L/min. Rare cases of seizures have been reported in association with sevoflurane use, the majority of which have occurred in children and young adults. For full prescribing information, visit www.baxter.com.
About Baxter
Baxter's Anesthesia, Critical Care and Oncology division develops, manufactures and markets specialty pharmaceutical products including inhaled anesthetics, cardiovascular agents and a comprehensive line of multisource injectables.
The company is a leading manufacturer of specialty pharmaceuticals and devices that help physicians, pharmacists and nurses effectively deliver critical fluids and drugs to patients. From the emergency and operating rooms through recovery, these products follow the patient through the continuum of care helping provide fluid replenishment, general anesthesia, parenteral nutrition, pain management, antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy and other therapies.
Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. . Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
This release includes forward-looking statements concerning the anticipated launch of a generic sevoflurane product. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: any further litigation with respect to sevoflurane, including appeals; further steps in product development, including scaling up production and completion of quality and regulatory work; and other risks identified in the company's most recent filing on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings, all of which are available on the company's web site. The company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.
Baxter Healthcare CorporationCONTACT: Media: Erin Gardiner, +1-847-948-4210, or Deborah Spak,+1-847-948-2349, or Investor: Mary Kay Ladone, +1-847-948-3371, or ClareSullivan, +1-847-948-3085
Web site: http://www.baxter.com/